Logistics Professionals Should Prepare for FMCSA Final Ruling

July 23, 2010  --  Roanoke Trade

The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final rule (49 CFR Parts 365 and 387) which is effective March 21, 2011. It will affect cargo insurance requirements for most for-hire motor common carriers of property and freight forwarders.

The new rule, applicable to the above mentioned parties, eliminates the requirement to (1) maintain cargo insurance in prescribed minimum amounts and (2) file evidence of insurance with the FMCSA. There will be no change for household goods motor carriers and household goods freight forwarders, who will continue to be subject to the cargo insurance requirement.

What Does this Mean to Logistics Managers?

There are about 166,700 for-hire motor carriers and 1,600 freight forwarders registered with FMCSA today. Given the upcoming change, it is going to be more important than ever to have proof of insurance for each for-hire common carrier or freight forwarder with which your company works. Logistics managers will no longer be able to rely on the FMCSA to ensure that their truckers maintain at least minimum levels of insurance.

How to Prepare

Take proactive measures to help manage your financial exposure when contracting with for-hire motor common carriers of property and freight forwarders:

Require a certificate of insurance evidencing worker's compensation, general liability, automobile liability, and motor truck cargo liability insurance from all truckers.

Ensure that you are named as a certificate holder.

Ensure coverage is placed with an insurance company with an A.M. Best's Financial Strength Rating of "A-" or better.

Set up a reminder in your calendar to request updated certificates of insurance on an annual basis. Request this information at least 30 days before the carrier's insurance expires.

When using freight or property brokers, require proof of contingent cargo insurance. This provides an additional level of cargo coverage should the trucker's insurance fail to respond.

Instruct your operations team not to use carriers unless updated and satisfactory insurance is on file.

Motor truck cargo liability limits should be no less than the value of the cargo that you tender to them.

Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website www.safersys.org to review trucker safety ratings, insurance details, and accident information.

Seek the advice of your Roanoke Trade representative to understand the limitations, exclusions, and other restrictions of motor truck cargo insurance.

Avoid unnecessary transportation risks in the supply chain. Contact Roanoke Trade today and we'll assist you with proactive measures to reduce financial exposure for you and your clients.

Sincerely,
Roanoke Trade Services, Inc.
Affiliate of Watkins Underwriters at Lloyd's and a Member of Munich Re
email: marketing@roanoketrade.com 
phone: 1-800-ROANOKE

web: http://www.roanoketrade.com/
Houston:   Theresa Garcia   Email:theresa.garcia@roanoketrade.com

Incoterms 2010

www.ICCIncoterms2010.org

Incoterms 2010 rules will come into force on January 1, 2011 and this will be the eighth Incoterms revision since their inception in 1936, and will be released in September.   These revisions happen about every 10 years and this particular revision has taken over 2 1/2 years.

Visit the above website to find out more information and upcoming class schedules throughout the United States to bring you up todate on many of the changes.

TRANSPORT TOPICS Special Report: CSA 2010 (Free PDF)


The government's new truck safety regime known as CSA 2010 is upon us. While the data for full implementation has slipped a bit lately, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration still intends to ramp up the program nationally this fall. Like any major regulatory initiative, there is confusion and misinformation on this important program. The CSA 2010 Special Report is an effort to help spell out in detail what CSA 2010 will and won't do, and provide industry executives and managers with information they need to know to prepare for its full implementation.

The CSA 2010 Special Report (originally published as a Supplement to the April, 26 issue of Transport Topics) is an effort to help spell out in detail what CSA 2010 will and won't do, and provide industry executives with information they need to know to prepare for its full implementation.

Please feel free to distribute to your colleagues and others interested in the topic.

To open the CSA 2010 PDF, click here.


Transport Topics, 
950 N Glebe Road

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 838-1770

TEAMING: A way of doing business

Over the years we have TEAMED with machinery movers, machine dealers and freight forwarders to enable them to offer a complete project package for their customers. Most recently we have been able to TEAM with Stone Machinery Movers on a project for one of their customers involving plant relocations from multiple locations across the country. By choosing to TEAM with us, they are able to stage everything at our warehouse versus taking room on the factory floor and greatly reducing the space available for the installation of the equipment at the plant. It also reduces the extra handling of moving things from spot to spot as that space is needed for equipment installation. Everything is handled at our facility with overhead cranes so that we can just pick out what the end customer requires without extra handling and delays.

This process also allows for everything to be layed out and organized so that everyone can see what there is, determine what order is needed and move forward in a structured manner.

Why not contact us TODAY to see how we can assist you in working as a TEAM to complete that next project.

Organization of Women in International Trade Sponsors:

Continental Breakfast

Welcome and Introductions

Import Updates:

U. S. Import Requirements:  Celia Ridel, Assistant Port Director - Trade Operations

Import Licensing / Compliance:  Marian Ladner Attorney Ladner & Associates

Cargo Owner/Operator Trends:  Diana Urelius, Manager Trade Compliance & Audit Resources Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift

Newtorking Luncheon

Export Updates:

Export Compliance & Licensing:  Pam Plagens, Senior Trade Specialist, US Department of Commerce and Pamela Nieto Attorney,  Baker & Hostetler

Transportation & Logistics:

Questions & Answers:

Tuesday May 18th

8AM to 3PM

University of Houston

Small Business Development Center

2302 Fannin, Ste 200

Houston, TX  77002

for registration form email:  catherine@dixiecullen.com

Our Gantry Crane is perfect for heavy lifts . . .

It's been an exciting week here at Dixie Cullen,  projects shipping out and equipment coming in.  It's the perfect week for a company such as ours.   

We had several of these 108,000 pound pieces come in within a matter of hours of each other.

A FEW INTERESTING FACTS -- TEXAS
FROM  THE  FREE TRADE ALLIANCE IN SAN ANTONIO TX



For the 8th consecutive year, Texas has been ranked the No. 1 export state in the United States. Texas' exports totaled more than $163 billion for 2009, with top export recipients being Mexico, Canada, China, the Netherlands, and Korea.

These countries imported $56 billion, $13.7 billion, $8.9 billion, $6 billion, and $5.3 billion in Texas manufactured goods, respectively. Texas' top exporting industries in 2009 were computers and electronics, chemicals, machinery, petroleum and coal, and transportation equipment.

According to a recent study and announced by Governor Perry, San Antonio and six other metropolitan areas in Texas are expected to be among the first to emerge from the recession.

CSA 2010


As motor carrier companies know, noncompliance undermines safety and usually results in costly repairs and penalties. Safety on our highways is and must continue to be a priority for the transportation industry as a whole.

The Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010 is a new system that will ensure safety is at the forefront of our work. This program will redefine audits as we currently recognize them through focused and comprehensive investigations. It is believed this transformation will ultimately reduce truck related crashes by implementing a new protocol for enforcement as well as improving safety monitoring, evaluation and intervention processes.

We know that CSA 2010 will affect every carrier in the nation. This stringent process charts immediate and continuous observations of carrier and driver performance.

As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shifts from one regulation model towards a more efficient and effective model, it is pertinent that companies are prepared to adhere to this new compliance program and understand the regulations to which they are subject.

Educate yourself and your employees about CSA 2010 through the informational pieces presented here.

What You Can Do to Impact CSA 2010 •Understand the CSA 2010 Methodology
•Obtain and Review Motor Carrier Safety Profile
•Clean Up CSA 2010 Data Files
•Update Your Census Data Regularly Via the MCS-150
•Compare Past Violations (last 24 months) to High Severity Weighted Violations
•Know Why Your Trucks Are Getting Inspected
•Raise Driver’s Awareness of Importance of Clean Inspections
•Review Driver Safety History When Hiring: Pre-employment Screening Program
•Manage Driver Behavior and Safety Practices
•File Comments on CSA 2010

http://www.tmta.com/

Houston Chapter of Organization of Women in International Trade

Quarterly Meeting Tuesday February 23rd

11:30 am to 1:00 pm

University of Houston

Small Business Development Center

2302 Fannin, Ste 200. Houston TX 77002

Non-Members $15.00

Lunch available at additional cost of $10.00

What Lies Ahead

The 2010 Economic Outlook for the Houston Region

Guest Speaker: Patrick Jankowski -- Greater Houston Partnership

Patrick is a regional economist and the vice president of research at the Greater Houston Partnership. He oversees GHP's research department with provides information gathering, data analysis, database management, economic forecasting and mapping functions for the organization.

RSVP ngarza@nmtprojects.com

OWIT-Houston is a Texas non-profit organization founded to expand business skills and public awareness of international trade issues and how they relate to and affect women.

OWIT-Houston membership is comprised of women and men whose careers encompass all aspects of international trade including import, export, sales, marketing, finance, law, customs brokerage, logistics, government, economic development and consulting. Membership benefits include networking and educational opportunities, leadership development, international affiliation, membership directory and job banks.

www.owit-hou.org

Shippers see worst Great Lakes year in seven decades
Breakbulk Industry News

With the lowest cargo valume in 71 years for iron ore and the worst in 77 years for coal, the two chief backbones of U. S. Great Lakes shipping, fleet leaders are expecting better shipping in 2010. But only mildly better.

The third biggest item for Great Lakes shipping, limestone, was down to it's lowest level in 25 years, since the recession year of 1984, to 23.5 million net tons.

link to balance of of article

Exports Increasing from our Almeda Geona Facility

Since opening our Almeda Genoa facility we have seen a major increase not only the number of containers/flat racks and items going break bulk that are being prepared for export at our facility but also a wide variety products.

Steel Coils, Tires, steel bar, construction equipment, mobile cranes even a few motor vehicles, machine tools and an assortment of project cargo.


Included in the services that we offer our export clients is the planning and laying out the loads, blocking with ISPM 15 Certificed blocking and dunnage. Preparing packing lists and photo journaling the project for our customers. But also making sure that fuel certificates and dock receipts are in hand to go with the shipment to avoid delays. Scheduling with freight forwarders and trucking companies are all in a days work for us. This saves time and worry for our customers.

Decline of 2009 has bottomed out

Energy Information Administration predicts rising oil demand, prices
January 15, 2010 Break Bulk Connection

Global oil demand fell in 2009 and 2008, the first time since 1983 that oil demand has fallen for two consecutive years, according to a short-term energy outlook released this week by the US Energy Information Administration. However, the decline bottomed out in mid-2009 and the EIA expects recovery to continue with oil demand growth of 1.1 million barrels per day in 2010 and 1.5 million bbl/d in 2011.

Countries outside of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development will lead 2010 demand recovery while OECD countries should see some demand growth in 2011, the EIA said. Overall, China is expected to lead world consumption demand growth with estimated increases of more than 0.4 million bbl/d both years.

The EIA expects the benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude oil price per barrel, which averaged $62/bbl in 2009, to average $80 in 2010 and $84 in 2011. EIA’s forecast assumes U.S. GDP growth of 2 percent in 2010 and 2.7 percent in 2011 and world oil-consumption-weighted growth of 2.5 percent in 2011 and 3.7 percent in 2011.

The EIA also expects annual average natural gas spot prices in the U.S. to increase from $4.06 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) in 2009 to $5.36 Mcf in 2010 and $6.12 Mcf in 2011.
Global investments in oil and gas exploration and development, and related heavy-lift and project cargo movement, can be expected to increase as oil and gas prices rise.

World Steel Production Increases in October
Breakbulk News 11/23/09

Production of crude steel, a key breakbulk cargo, in the 66 countries that report to the World Steel Associaiton increased 3% from September to October, or to 112,177 Million metric tons from 108,816 metric tons. However, total global steel production for the ten months through October lagged 13.5%, reaching only 982,143 metrick tons compared to 1,135,544 during the same period of 2008.

Chinese steel production during the first ten months of 2009 was 472,474 metric ton, an increase of 10.5% over the same perios in 2008. China's ten-month 2009 total accounted for 48% of global total for the period. Japan accounted for about 7% of the global total; Russia, about 5%; India, about 5%, US, about 5%, South Korea, about 4% and the EU, about 11%

Implementation of Debarking Requirements

The American Lumber Standard Committee has notified agencies accredited for Wood Packaging Material that the European Union has implement a debarking requirement as of July this year. At this time the SPIB is not obligated to enforce this requirements so compliance is a business decision for the producer.

The anticipated restriction is that areas of bark up to 3 centimeters wide are unlimited in length or if over 3 centimeters wide can not exceed the size of a credit card. This restriction is based on a proposed change to the ISPM 15

Breakinig News:

U. S. Truck Driver Hours of Service rules to be Re-written

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in response to a legal challenge to the current hours of service (HOS) regulations, will completely rewrite the 2008 HOS reuglations. The agency will issue a proposed rulemaking within 9 months and a new Final Rule in less than two years.

This settlement is in response to a legal challenge brought against FMCSA by Public Citizen, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Truck Safety Coalition and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In March 2009 the groups asked a DC Appeals court to throw out the HOS rule. The March 2009 challenge was the third challenge to the Bush Administration's HOS rules.

11th Fastest Growning Woman Owned Business

Dixie Cullen Intersts was honored by the Houston Business Journal as "Houston's 11th Fastest Growing Woman Owned Business".

Our management and customer services TEAMS have been instrumental in this growth, by providing our customers with quality service.

We also wish to Thank You, our customers for entrusting us with your industrial storage and export packing needs.

It will be our pleasure to continue serving you and your needs in the future.

Cargo off at Texas ports | Breakbulk Industry News

Cargo off at Texas ports | Breakbulk Industry News

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All Companies Need Economic Operator Registration and Identification Number (EORI)

From Export News Newsletter - US Export Assistance Center

As of July 1, 2009, nearly all companies doing business in the EU or companies exporting to the EU will need an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number (EORI as EORI numbers are required for Customers Declarations and to apply for Authorized Economic Operator status. Member states may have different procedures for applying for EORI numbers and exporters will be required to register for EORI in the first member state they do business in after July 1. Any companies that do not have EORI number or do not know if they have one should be sure to check the EU Customs page that explains whi is impacted.

For more details see www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/whatsnew.html

Pam Plagens Pam.plagens@mail.doc.gov

Nyamusi Igambi Nyamusi.igambi@mail.doc.gov

What's New in the European Union

From the September issue of Export News - U S Export Assistance Center

New Requirements for US Exporters of Machines:

As of December 29, 2009 when the new MACHINE SAFETY DIRECTIVE (2006/42/EC) becomes mandatory, US exporters of machines will need to identify a person established in the European Union who is authorized to keep the manufactuer's technical file or have quick access to it. This person's name must appear on the declaration of conformity along with the name and address of the manufacturer. The person could be no more than a letterbox, a point of contact for the authorities in case there are questions about confomrity of the machine or about accidents. The person based in Europe could be the importer/distributor, a lawyer, an authorized representative, or any other person. The manufacturer remains responsible for compiling the technical file. This requirement is an example of the beefed up surveillance and enforcement the EU is putting into effect to back up the CE marking program.

For your copy of Export News

Nyamusi Igambi - Senior Trade Specialist Nyamusi.igambi@mail.doc.gov

Pam Plagens - Senior Trade Specialist Pam.plagens@mail.doc.gov

Low dollar boosts used equipment exports

posted by bwyker Breakbulk News

If there is any silver lining for the shipping industry in the clouds enveloping the US economy, it's the increase in exports fueled by the weakness of the dollar. For the breakbulk and project cargo sector of the industry, the export boom has generated a big increase in shipments of used construction and agricultural equipment, dismantled plants, old locomotives and high and heavy vehicles.

The trend is so pronounced that some breakbulk ports are beginning to look like giant garage sales -- with every inch of storage yard stacked high wuth used cranes, dismantled refining equipment, graders, bulldozers, harvesters and tractors.

Read more on this artical -- click here